Taxi fares in Exeter are poised to increase by an average of around 25 per cent before Christmas, after city councillors agreed to revive a consultation on the hike.
If implemented, the increase would be the first fare rise in three years and would see Exeter's rates become the most expensive in Devon.
Members of the city council’s executive committee voted to restart the public consultation after an earlier attempt this year was not completed. The new tariff could be implemented in time for the Christmas period.
Figures presented to the committee revealed that Exeter currently ranks as the joint fifth most expensive city for a two-mile taxi journey in Devon. However, if the proposed increases are implemented, Exeter would jump to the most expensive two-mile fare level in Devon and move into the national top 10 across England and Wales.
Currently, a two-mile journey in Exeter costs between £7.60 and £12.30, depending on the time. Under the proposed 25 per cent average increase, that journey would rise to between £9.50 and £13.55.
Councillors backed the move by praising the critical role of the drivers. Cllr Ruth Williams stated: “The drivers provide a really important service, and it is very expensive for them to provide it. It is really important that we progress this as quickly as possible.”
Cllr Peter Holland added his support by describing the drivers as city representatives: “They are ambassadors for our great city. They are often the first people that folk meet when they come into our city. They go the extra mile.”
Fares for a two-mile journey elsewhere in Devon range from East Devon’s £8.69 to Mid Devon’s £6.80.

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